Construction contracts for the first phase of riverfront development have been unanimously approved by Fort Wayne City Council on May 23.
The approved construction contracts (by an 8-0 vote) totaled $17,154,558.
Construction highlights:
- Demolition, Excavation and Site Work – Crosby Excavating, $2,427,740
- Landscaping – Dave Harlow Enterprises, $2,498,906
- Concrete Dock Walls and Tree Canopy Trail – Kenny Construction Company, $3,069,000
- Site Concrete and Masonry – Hamilton Hunter Builders, $2,029,780
- Structural Steel Fabrication – Almet, Inc., $1,966,000
- Miscellaneous and Structural Steel Erection – Don Fruchey, Inc., $220,500
- General Trades – Fetters Construction, $1,370,500
- Roofing – C.L. Schust, $155,000
- Aluminum Storefront and Glazing – Hall Aluminum Products, $327,000
- Finishes – Rosema Corporation, $259,600
- Fire Protection – VFP Fire Systems, $49,947
- Mechanical – Project Design and Piping, $890,400
- Electrical – Hambrock Electrical, $1,097,935
- Playground Equipment and Surfacing, $199,999
- Site Specific General Conditions, $592,251
Funding for the work comes from prior approvals of legacy funds, Regional Cities money and private donations. In December 2016, City Council approved a request of $10 million in legacy funding to assist with the construction investment for the first phase of riverfront development. In April 2017, the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) approved $5,170,480 in Regional Cities funding. To date, private commitments from foundations, corporations and individuals total $4,809,000.
“I continue to be encouraged by the support and excitement for riverfront development,” Mayor Tom Henry said in a statement. “Fort Wayne has become a point of destination for businesses, individuals and families. To continue to see momentum and investments, we must be committed to providing quality of life amenities that make our community unique. Riverfront development is a critical initiative designed to enhance Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana.”
“We’re excited to start planning for Phases II and III,” said Parks and Recreation director Al Moll. “The focus will be on creating an attractive environment for private investment, which essentially means framing the river for new development.”
Groundbreaking for the first phase of riverfront development is expected to take place in late June and will be focused on the public spaces in a park setting. Development will occur on the south and north sides of the St. Marys River between Harrison Street and the historic Wells Street Bridge. Highlights of the plans include a promenade, park pavilion, event lawn, entry plaza with sculpture/signage, urban bioswale, educational water feature, urban streetscape, central plaza, urban riverfront terraces, elevated boardwalk, dock, interactive sculpture, and children’s play area.
Riverfront construction is anticipated to take 18 months.
The team leading the design work is Riverworks Design Group, comprised of Design Collaborative, Forum Studio, Hoch Associates, Engineering Resources, American Structurepoint, and One Lucky Guitar. The Hagerman Group serves as construction manager.
